The Fusion of Tradition and Innovation: Suzuo and Gekkeikan Join T2 for Autonomous Truck Operations

A New Era in Logistics

The Japanese logistics sector is bracing itself for a transformative shift, as Suzuo Corporation and Gekkeikan Corporation have announced their partnership with T2 to implement autonomous truck operations starting from November 28, 2025. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first commercial use of self-driving trucks for trunk transportation in Japan.

The Journey Begins

The route for this innovative transport will span approximately 420 kilometers, connecting Gekkeikan's logistics center in Kyoto City to Suzuo's logistics facility in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The self-driving trucks will be functional over a specified segment of this route, which runs from Kumiyama Junction in Kyoto to Atsugi Interchange in Kanagawa. The primary cargo for this operation will be Gekkeikan's renowned sake, encapsulating a perfect blend of tradition and modern technology.

Addressing Industry Challenges

In recent years, Japan's logistics industry has faced an acute shortage of truck drivers, prompting calls for improvements in working conditions. Established in 1801, Suzuo and Gekkeikan, founded in 1637, are keenly aware of these challenges. Their partnership with T2 aims to ensure a stable supply chain and tackle the pressing societal issues in the sector.

As part of their preparations, Suzuo has previously conducted trials utilizing T2's Level 2 autonomous trucks for transportation between Kyoto and the Kanto region. This practical experimentation took place over three occasions from July to September 2025, allowing the companies to assess the efficacy of the autonomous technology across both operational and technical facets.

Pioneering New Frontiers

This initiative by T2, which began in July 2025, was the first of its kind in Japan, with seven companies on board to progressively implement autonomous transport operations. Both Suzuo and Gekkeikan confirmed that the test results demonstrated quality and safety comparable to existing transportation methods, thus paving the way for their full participation in this commercial venture alongside T2.

In conjunction with this collaboration, the companies are also eyeing T2’s upcoming Level 4 autonomous truck services, scheduled to begin in 2027. This move reflects a commitment to maintaining a stable supply capability and revolutionizing the logistics landscape through innovative transportation solutions.

Embracing the Future

This partnership not only highlights the potential of automation but also reinforces the importance of ensuring the quality and safety of traditional products, like Gekkeikan's sake. The blending of age-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology exemplifies a forward-thinking approach, aiming to set new standards in logistics.

The landscape of freight transportation in Japan stands on the brink of a significant transformation, and this collaboration among Suzuo, Gekkeikan, and T2 represents a groundbreaking step towards a future where innovation and tradition harmoniously coexist, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in the logistics sector.

For more information on this initiative and its implications for the industry, you can follow the respective websites of Suzuo, Gekkeikan, and T2.

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